Arizona Window Tint Law, Explained
Arizona’s tint rules come down to a few numbers: more than 33% VLT on the front side windows, any darkness behind the driver, and a non-reflective strip on the windshield down to the AS-1 line. Here is the detail, and what it means for the film you choose.
The Short Version
VLT means Visible Light Transmission — the percentage of light the glass and film together let through. A lower number means a darker window. Arizona measures glass and film as one, so factory privacy glass already counts toward the total before any film goes on. Front side windows must stay above 33% VLT. Everything behind the driver can be as dark as you like, provided the vehicle has working mirrors on both sides.
Legal Limits by Window
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top strip only, down to the AS-1 line marked on the glass. Nothing below it.
Front side windows
Must let more than 33% of light through, glass and film combined. This is the number that gets drivers pulled over.
Back side & rear
Any darkness is legal, as long as the vehicle has functioning side mirrors on both sides.
The Rest of the Rules
The limits below come from Arizona Revised Statutes §28-959.01.
Reflectivity
Front and back side windows must not be more than 35% reflective
Colours
Red and amber tint are not permitted on any window
Side mirrors
Required on both sides if the rear window is tinted
Medical exemption
A signed physician’s statement allows darker film — keep it in the car
No sticker needed
Arizona does not require a compliance sticker on the door jamb
Out-of-state cars
Arizona limits apply once the vehicle is registered here
How to Stay Legal
- Know your glass — factory privacy glass already cuts VLT before any film is added
- Ask for the film’s VLT rating, not a “looks about right” number
- Have the front windows metered after fitting — a meter reading settles any argument
- Keep any medical exemption paperwork in the glovebox
- Choose ceramic if you want heat rejection without going dark — heat control does not require a low VLT
- If you bought the car already tinted, get it metered before assuming it is legal
Last reviewed August 2026. This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice — check the current text of A.R.S. §28-959.01 or ask an officer if you need certainty.
Tint That Is Legal And Worth Having
We meter every car — front windows checked before you drive off
35% is the sweet spot — legal, and noticeably cooler
Ceramic beats dark — heat rejection comes from the film, not the shade
Legal removal — we strip over-dark film without wrecking defroster lines
Straight answers — we will not fit film that gets you pulled over
Service Area
Arizona Tint Law FAQ
What is the legal tint limit in Arizona?
More than 33% VLT on the front side windows. Back side windows and the rear window can be any darkness if the car has working mirrors on both sides. The windshield takes non-reflective film above the AS-1 line only.
What is the AS-1 line?
A small marking etched into the top of most windshields, usually a few inches down from the roofline. Arizona allows non-reflective tint above it and nothing below it.
Can I get a medical exemption?
Yes. Arizona permits darker film with a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist explaining the medical need. Keep the paperwork in the vehicle.
Is limo tint legal in Arizona?
On the back side windows and the rear window, yes. On the front side windows, no — anything below 33% VLT is over the limit.
What is the penalty for illegal tint?
It is a civil traffic violation, and the amount varies by jurisdiction. Officers can also require the film to be removed, so the real cost is usually stripping and refitting.
Does factory privacy glass count toward the limit?
Yes. Arizona measures glass and film together, so a vehicle that already has dark rear glass starts from a lower VLT before any film is added.
Want Tint That Is Legal And Actually Cools the Car?
We meter every front window before you leave. Call 602-880-2163 or request a quote online.